our founding principles requires new responses to new challenges; that preserving our individual freedoms ultimately requires collective action. for the american people can no more meet the demands of today's world by acting alone than american soldiers could have met the forces of fascism or communism with muskets and militias. no single person can train all the math and science teachers we'll need to equip our children for the future, or build the roads and networks and research labs that will bring new jobs and businesses to our shores. now, more than ever, we must do these things together, as one nation and one people. [applause] this generation of americans

has been tested by crises that steeled our resolve and proved our resilience. a decade of war is now ending. [applause] an economic recovery has begun. [applause] america's possibilities are limitless, for we possess all the qualities that this world without boundaries demands: youth and drive; diversity and openness; an endless capacity for risk and a gift for reinvention. my fellow americans, we are made for this moment, and we will seize it -- so long as we seize it together. [applause] for we, the people, understand that our country cannot succeed when a shrinking few do very

well and a growing many barely make it. [applause] we believe that america's prosperity must rest upon the broad shoulders of a rising middle class. we know that america thrives when every person can find independence and pride in their work; when the wages of honest labor liberate families from the brink of hardship. we are true to our creed when a little girl born into the bleakest poverty knows that she has the same chance to succeed as anybody else, because she is an american; she is free, and she is equal, not just in the eyes of god but also in our own. [applause] we understand that outworn programs are inadequate to the needs of our time. so we must harness new ideas and technology to remake our government, revamp our tax

code, reform our schools, and empower our citizens with the skills they need to work harder, learn more, reach higher. but while the means will change, our purpose endures: a nation that rewards the effort and determination of every single american. that is what this moment requires. that is what will give real meaning to our creed. we, the people, still believe that every citizen deserves a basic measure of security and dignity. we must make the hard choices to reduce the cost of health care and the size of our deficit. but we reject the belief that america must choose between caring for the generation that built this country and investing in the generation that will build its future.

[applause] for we remember the lessons of our past, when twilight years were spent in poverty and parents of a child with a disability had nowhere to turn. we do not believe that in this country freedom is reserved for the lucky, or happiness for the few. we recognize that no matter how responsibly we live our lives, any one of us at any time may face a job loss, or a sudden illness, or a home swept away in a terrible storm. the commitments we make to each other through medicare and medicaid and social security, these things do not sap our initiative, they strengthen us. [applause] they do not make us a nation of takers; they free us to take the risks that make this country great.

[applause] we, the people, still believe that our obligations as americans are not just to ourselves, but to all posterity. we will respond to the threat of climate change, knowing that the failure to do so would betray our children and future generations. [applause] some may still deny the overwhelming judgment of science, but none can avoid the devastating impact of raging fires and crippling drought and more powerful storms. the path towards sustainable energy sources will be long and sometimes difficult. but america cannot resist this transition, we must lead it. we cannot cede to other nations

the technology that will power new jobs and new industries, we must claim its promise. that's how we will maintain our economic vitality and our national treasure -- our forests and waterways, our crop lands and snow-capped peaks. that is how we will preserve our planet, commanded to our care by god. that's what will lend meaning to the creed our fathers once declared. we, the people, still believe that enduring security and lasting peace do not require perpetual war. [applause] our brave men and women in uniform, tempered by the flames of battle, are unmatched in skill and courage. [applause]

our citizens, seared by the memory of those we have lost, know too well the price that is paid for liberty. the knowledge of their sacrifice will keep us forever vigilant against those who would do us harm. but we are also heirs to those who won the peace and not just the war; who turned sworn enemies into the surest of friends -- and we must carry those lessons into this time as well. we will defend our people and uphold our values through strength of arms and rule of law. we will show the courage to try and resolve our differences with other nations peacefully -- not because we are naïve about the dangers we face, but because engagement can more durably lift suspicion and fear. [applause] america will remain the anchor of strong alliances in every corner of the globe.

and we will renew those institutions that extend our capacity to manage crisis abroad, for no one has a greater stake in a peaceful world than its most powerful nation. we will support democracy from asia to africa, from the americas to the middle east, because our interests and our conscience compel us to act on behalf of those who long for freedom. and we must be a source of hope to the poor, the sick, the marginalized, the victims of prejudice -- not out of mere charity, but because peace in our time requires the constant advance of those principles that our common creed describes: tolerance and opportunity, human dignity and justice. we, the people, declare today that the most evident of truths -- that all of us are created equal -- is the star that

guides us still; just as it guided our forebears through seneca falls, and selma, and stonewall; just as it guided all those men and women, sung and unsung, who left footprints along this great mall, to hear a preacher say that we cannot walk alone; to hear a king proclaim that our individual freedom is inextricably bound to the freedom of every soul on earth. [applause] it is now our generation's task to carry on what those pioneers began. for our journey is not complete until our wives, our mothers and daughters can earn a living equal to their efforts. [applause] our journey is not complete until our gay brothers and sisters are treated like anyone

else under the law -- [applause] -- for if we are truly created equal, then surely the love we commit to one another must be equal as well. [applause] our journey is not complete until no citizen is forced to wait for hours to exercise the right to vote. [applause] our journey is not complete until we find a better way to welcome the striving, hopeful immigrants who still see america as a land of opportunity -- [applause] -- until bright young students and engineers are enlisted in our workforce rather than expelled from our country. [applause] our journey is not complete until all our children, from the streets of detroit to the hills of appalachia, to the quiet lanes of newtown, know that they are cared for and cherished and always safe from harm.

that is our generation's task -- to make these words, these rights, these values of life and liberty and the pursuit of happiness real for every american. being true to our founding documents does not require us to agree on every contour of life. it does not mean we all define liberty in exactly the same way or follow the same precise path to happiness. progress does not compel us to settle centuries-long debates about the role of government for all time, but it does require us to act in our time. [applause] for now decisions are upon us and we cannot afford delay.

we cannot mistake absolutism for principle, or substitute spectacle for politics, or treat name-calling as reasoned debate. [applause] we must act, knowing that our work will be imperfect. we must act, knowing that today's victories will be only partial and that it will be up to those who stand here in four years and 40 years and 400 years hence to advance the timeless spirit once conferred to us in a spare philadelphia hall. my fellow americans, the oath i have sworn before you today, like the one recited by others who serve in this capitol, was an oath to god and country, not

party or faction. and we must faithfully execute that pledge during the duration of our service. but the words i spoke today are not so different from the oath that is taken each time a soldier signs up for duty or an immigrant realizes her dream. my oath is not so different from the pledge we all make to the flag that waves above and that fills our hearts with pride. they are the words of citizens and they represent our greatest hope. you and i, as citizens, have the power to set this country's course. you and i, as citizens, have the obligation to shape the debates of our time -- not only with the votes we cast, but with the voices we lift in defense of our most ancient values and enduring ideals. [applause]

let us, each of us, now embrace with solemn duty and awesome joy what is our lasting birthright. with common effort and common purpose, with passion and dedication, let us answer the call of history and carry into an uncertain future that precious light of freedom. thank you. god bless you, and may he forever bless these united states of america. [applause]

>> at this time, and award winning artist -- please join me in welcoming award-winning art ist kelly clarkson. >> the united states marine band. ♪

my country tis of thee sweet land of liberty if thee i sing land where my fathers died lad of the pilgrim's pride from every mountain side let freedom ring ♪

let music swell the beach and ring from all the trees sweet freedom songs let silence break the sound prolonged ♪ our father guide to thee

father of liberty to thee we sing ♪ long may our land be bright with freedom's holy light protect us by the might great god, our king ♪ [laughter] --- [applause]

>> wow. our next distinguished guest is the appellate issue will share with us where -- poet who will share with us words he has composed for this occasion. >> mr. president, vice president, america, one, today, one sun rose on us today, kindled over our shores, peeking over the smokies,

greeting the faces of the great lakes, spreading a simple truth across the great plains, then charging across the rockies. one light, waking up rooftops, under each one, a story told by our silent gestures moving behind windows. my face, your face, millions of faces in morning's mirrors, each one yawning to life, crescendoing into our day: pencil-yellow school buses, the rhythm of traffic lights, fruit stands: apples, limes, and oranges arrayed like rainbows begging our praise. silver trucks heavy with oil or paper bricks or milk, teeming over highways alongside us,

on our way to clean tables, read ledgers, or save lives to teach geometry, or ring-up groceries as my mother did for twenty years, so i could write this poem. all of us as vital as the one light we move through, the same light on blackboards with lessons for the day: equations to solve, history to question, or atoms imagined, keepi have a dream" we dreaming, or the impossible vocabulary of sorrow that won't explain the empty desks of twenty children marked absent today, and forever. many

prayers, but one light breathing color into stained glass windows, life into the faces of bronze statues, warmth onto the steps of our museums and park benches as mothers watch children slide into the day. one ground. our ground, rooting us to every stalk of corn, every head of wheat sown by sweat and hands, hands gleaning coal or planting windmills in deserts and hilltops that keep us warm, hands digging trenches, routing pipes and cables, hands as worn as my father's cutting sugarcane so my brother and i could have books and shoes. the dust of farms and deserts, cities and plains

mingled by one windour breath. breathe. hear it through the day's gorgeous din of honking cabs, buses launching down avenues, the symphony of footsteps, guitars, and screeching subways, the unexpected song bird on your clothes line. hear. squeaky playground swings, trains whistling, or whispers across café tables, hear: the doors we open for each other all day, saying: hello, shalom, buon giorno, howdy, namaste, or buenos días in the language my mother taught me in every language spoken into one wind carrying our lives without prejudice, as these words break from my lips.

one sky. since the appalachians and sierras claimed their majesty, and the mississippi and colorado worked their way to the sea. thank the work of our hands: weaving steel into bridges, finishing one more report for the boss on time, stitching another wound or uniform, the first brush stroke on a portrait, or the last floor on the freedom tower jutting into a sky that yields to our resilience. one sky, toward which we sometimes lift our eyes tired from work: some days guessing at the weather of our lives, some days giving thanks for a love that loves you back, sometimes

praising a mother who knew how to give, or forgiving a father who couldn't give what you wanted. we head home through the gloss of rain or weight of snow, or the plum blush of dusk, but alwayshome, always under one sky, our sky. and always one moon like a silent drum tapping on every rooftop and every window, of one country -- all of us -- facing the stars hope, a new constellation waiting for us to map it, waiting for us to name it together

[applause] >> that is my pleasure to introduce reverend luis leon to deliver the benediction. >> let us pray. gracious and eternal god, as we conclude the second inauguration of president obama we ask for your blessings as we seek to become "citizens of a beloved community, loving you

and loving our neighbors as ourselves." we pray you will bless us with your presence. with out bus patrons will in fact our hearts. with your blessing we know we can bay region break down the walls that separate us. we pray for your blessings. without it, mistrust will rule our hearts. with the blessing of your presence, we know we can renew the ties and mutual regard that can best for our civic life. we pray for your blessing because without it despair of those different from us will be our role of light. with your blessing we can see

each other created in your image, a unit of god's grace, unprecedented, a repeatable and irreplaceable. we play -- pray for your blessing. with out it we will see only what the eye can see. we will see that we're created in your image, whether brown, black, or white, male or female, first-generation immigrant american or daughter of the american revolution, gay or straight, rich or poor. we pray for your blessing. without it we will only see scarcity in the midst of abundance. with your blessing we will recognize the abundance of the gifts of this good land with which you have and out of this nation.

we pray for your blessing. bless all of us. privilege to be a resident of this nation with a. of gratitude in humility that we may be a blessing. we pray that you will shower with your life giving spirit, that will be leaders of this land, especially barack our president and joe our vice- president. fill them with righteousness that they may serve this nation ably and be glad to do your will. endow their hearts with wisdom and forbearance so that peace may prevail with righteousness, and justice with order, some men and women can find the fulfillment of our humanity.

we pray that the president and all and political authority will remember the words of the profit micah "what does the lord require of thee but to do justice, to love kindness, and always walk humbly with god?" [speaking spanish] mr. president, mr. vice president, may god bless you all your days. all this we pray in your most holy name. amen. >> please join us in singing the national anthem.by award winning artist beyonce, accompanied by

the us.s. marine band. please remit main at your place while the party exes the platform.o say can you see by ♪ o say can you see by the dawn's early light, what so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming, whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight,

o'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming? and the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night that our flag was still there; gave proof through the night that our flag was still there;

o say does that star-spangled banner yet wave, o'er the land of the free and the home of the brave? >> all set?♪

♪

>> to the swearing-in ceremonies, members of congress posted the obamas and bidens in the capital. this is a half-hour.

>> ladies and gentlemen, please take your seats. i hope everyone has enjoyed the lunch. i think we deserve a round of applause. [applause] it is now my honor to invite the speaker of the house, john boehner to the podium to present the official flags. [applause]

>> center, thank you. ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the old hall of the house. the people's representatives met in this chamber over five decades prior to the civil war. the acoustics were terrible. you could not hear anything. it was a mess. it was also at a time when our leaders were not hearing each other all that well to begin with. here it is a century and a half and many architectural improvements later, we gather in the old hall to better hear one another. we do so amid the rituals and symbols of unity, none more important than our flag.

the spring of 1813 ordered a flag to be flown over the entrance to baltimore harbor. it should be so large, he said, that the british will have no difficulty in seeing it from a distance. for such an enormous banner, a mother and daughter team had to stitch together overlapping strips of will to make the product whole. from many, one. a grand flag was born, and not on after that eight anthem to go with it. today, whenever we hear it snapping in the wind, it gives us proof of the blessing of democracy. in the spirit of harmony, i am

proud to present the flags that flew over this battalion of democracy today, to president barack obama and vice president joe biden. to you gentlemen, i say congratulations and god speed. [applause]>> i am now pleased to introduce my friend and colleague and partner in this inaugural endeavor, senator lamar alexander to present the official photographs. >> thank you, chuck.

mr. president and michelle, mr. vice president and jill, president and mrs. clinton, president and mrs. carter, mr. chief justice. one former president not sure today, honey and i were sitting next to him, george h w bush and barbara if you years ago. i said to barbara, what should i speak about? and she said, about five minutes, george. there will probably come a time when your children are trying to explain to their grandchildren that this day actually happened. if those great-grandchildren do not believe it, we have pictures. these pictures are for you and we wish you the best as you work for that common good.

[applause] >> i would now like to introduce the distinguished majority leader of the house of representatives, eric cantor, to present the lennox inaugural gift. >> good afternoon. on behalf of the joint congressional committee on inaugural ceremonies, it is my honor to present the president and mrs. obama, the vice president and dr. biden with this beautiful crystal vases.

the images of the united states capitol and white house are hand cut and etched into the crystal. the crystal basis on which they sit are inscribed with the name of the recipient and today's date. president obama, mrs. obama will receive the vase depicting the white house. as president and dr. biden will receive the vase depicting the u.s. capital. the vases were designed by timothy carter and hand cut by a master class cutter. at this time, my wife and i invite the obamas and bidens to join us in looking at the beautiful vases. [applause]

>> ok i am now pleased to invite my colleagues, nancy pelosi to the podium. she will present the momento is that you all will receive as you leave statuary hall. >> thank you very much. mr. chairman schumer, and cochair alexander wonderful inauguration. mr. vice-president, mr. president, first lady, first lady, first lady -- [laughter] dr. biden, all of our distinguished guests. i will tell you about a gift for you. freedom now stands on the dome

of the capitol of the united states. may she stand there forever not only in form, but in spirit. those were the words expressed 150 years ago by the commissioner of public buildings as the statue of freedom was placed atop the capitol during the presidency of president lincoln. that expression of the spirit of freedom is what we want you to take with you today, and it is contained in this portfolio that you will receive from the joint congressional committee on inaugural ceremonies, along with a frame depiction of the capitol as it appeared at the start of the civil war. you heard it well described by chairman schumer in his remarks. today the statue of freedom and the spirit of freedom watches over the capital as another president from illinois has taken the oath of office.

despite the challenges at home and abroad, we heard in president obama's eighth inaugural address a message of hope, a vision of peace, progress, prosperity, and the promise of freedom for all. may god bless you, president obama, vice-president biden, and your families. congratulations, with wishes for much success for you, for that is the success of our nation. may god bless you all, may god bless america. [applause] >> mr. president and dr. biden

and your whole wonderful families, i rise now to toast the vice president of the united states and my former colleague and my friend, joe biden. mr. vice president, you have been an extraordinary leader of this nation and a true partner to our president these passed for years. you play many roles -- advisor, advocate, implementer, persuader, strategist, and most important of all, friend. we are confident that is unique partnership between you and our great president will grow stronger and more productive over the next four years. mr. vice president, on the surface, we don't share a common ancestry, but on a deeper level, we do share a common story. an american story, of achieving our dreams thanks to the sacrifice of our immigrant

forebears. as you embark on your well- deserved second term, in the spirit of those seeking before us and all americans, we offer our support and warmest wishes, and we say to you, l'chaim, salud, and cheers to our great vice president. >> mr. president, and all those in and assembled, i always enjoyed this lunch more than anything we did in the capitol, for the 36 years i served and the senate i had a great honor of being included in this lunch for former presidents and vice presidents.

it really is the place where we get together in a way unlike any other time when we gather. it is always a new beginning every time we are in this room, and there is a sense of possibilities an opportunity and a sense that sometimes is leading but that maybe we can really begin to work together. chuck, we may come from different ancestors, but is all our colleagues know over the years, we are cut from the same cloth, that we share that same common absolute conviction that was expressed by harry truman when he said, "america was not built on fear. america was built on courage come on imagination, and an unbeatable determination to did the job at hand at." that is what you have done throughout your career, and that is what everyone in this room

has done. at the end of the day, it is absolute confidence, absolute confidence. there is not a thing, a single thing, this country cannot do. i spent too much time with all of you not to know that you feel with every fiber of your being that there is nothing, nothing, this country is incapable of. i must say, the president kids me occasionally did i know harry reid always calls me a senate man. i am proud to have been a senate man. i am proud to be president of the senate but that is only exceeded by the pride in being vice president of the united states with barack obama as president. [applause]

one of the great privileges of my life. if the president will forgive me, as we were walking out, and as he said, savoring the moment, looking out on the crowd and all the americans assembled, it surprised me even, i turned to him and said, "thank you. thanks for the chance. thanks for the chance to continue to serve." folks, i raise my glass to a man who never, never, never operates out of fear, only operates out of confidence, and i'm toasting you, chuck. [laughter] a guy i plan on working with it. you cannot get rid of me, man. remember, i'm still part of the senate. god bless you, chuck. you have done a great job, and

lamar, you have as well. good to see you, pal. >> the best parts of these events are unscripted. i would now like to introduce our senate majority leader, my good friend and foxhole buddy, harry reid, to offer the official toast to the president. [applause] >> americans today are wishing the president got speed for the next four years. people all over the world are looking at us and our exemplary democracy and wishing the president the best in the years to come.

i have had the good fortune in the last many years to work on a very close personal basis with president obama. i have watched him -- the most difficult challenges that a person could face. i've watched him do this with brilliance, with patience, with courage, wisdom, and kindness, from which i have learned a great deal. so, mr. president, i toast and pray for you, your wonderful family, and our great country. four more years, barack obama.

>> michelle and the speaker of the house came to a meeting of the minds that i may be delaying the proceedings to much. and so i'm just going to be extraordinarily brief and say thank you. to my a vice president, who was not only been an extraordinary partner, but an extraordinary friend, and to dr. jill biden, who has partnered with my wife with an extraordinary generosity on behalf of our men and women in uniform.

to the entire cabinet that is here, i am grateful to you. some of you are staying, some of you are leaving, but i know the extraordinary sacrifices that you and my team have made it to advance the progress of this country, and i will always be grateful to you for that. to the speaker of the house and nancy pelosi, to democratic leader harry reid, as well as republican leader mitch mcconnell, all the congressional leaders and all the members of congress who are here, i recognize that democracy is not always easy, and i recognize there are profound differences in this room.

but i just want to say thank you for your service and i want to thank your families for their service, because regardless of our political persuasions and perspectives, i know all of us serve because we believe we can make america for future generations. and i am confident that we can act at this moment in a way that makes a difference for our children and our children's children. i know that former president carter, president clinton, they understand the irony of the presidential office, which is the longer you are there, the more humble you become, and the more mindful you are that it is beyond your power is individually to move this great country. you can only do it because you have extraordinary partners and a spirit of goodwill and, most of all, because of the strength

and resilience and fundamental goodness of the american people. and so i would like to join all of you not only in toasting the extraordinary work that chuck schumer and lamar alexander and others have done to create this special day for us, but i also want to thank each and everyone of you for not only your service in the past, but hopefully your service in the future as well. i would like to offer one last toast, and that is to my extraordinary wife, michelle. there is controversy about the quality of the president. no controversy about the quality of our current first lady. [applause] thank you, everybody. god bless you, and god bless america.

>> ok, now that everyone is standing, you can remain standing, because it is my privilege to introduce his eminence to deliver the benediction. >> thank you for the extraordinary and unique honor bestowed upon me to deliver it the benediction. it is the greatest honor in my life. let us pray, as we prepare to go forth in peace, confident in america's bright future, in the name of the father, the sun, and the holy spirit. oh god of all, we give thanks to you and praise you on this day, as did our first president on the day of his inauguration, for we, too, resolve once more to the benign parent of the human

race in humble supplication, in the words of president washington. we bless and praise your holy name, and ask blessing upon these united states of america, our president, barack obama, and vice president joseph biden, as they and commence the second term of their sacred responsibilities in the highest office of our country. bless, preserve, and keep them and their families safe and healthy.

together with who serve our nation, especially in the congress, judiciary, and armed forces, here and everywhere who defend our pursuits of life, liberty, and happiness. heavenly father, may we ever abide in this land of opportunity and freedom in perfect tranquility, faithful to our foundations and ever building a more prosperous, just, equitable, and a decent society for all of our citizens. and may we always share our faith and hope for the future with the whole world with your divine and gracious love. amen.

>> amen. >> thank you, archbishop. thank you. >> great to see you. ok, please be seated for a moment. my pleasure, archbishop. thank you. well, i think everyone will agree that this has been a wonderful inaugural ceremony, a delicious lunch, but it is now time to head to our next happy stop, presidential parade. [laughter] like many of you, i marched in hundreds, but as we optimistically stepped into the next page of american history, under the leadership of president obama, i have a feeling this one is going to be something truly special. so thank you for being here, god bless you all, god bless america. [applause]

>> thank you. [captioning performed by national captioning institute] [captions copyright national cable satellite corp. 2012]

>> after the swearing-in and congressional luncheon, president and mrs. obama returned home for the inaugural parade.

[cheers and applause]

>> the first day of the president second term continued into the evening with a series of social events events, including the commander-in-chief ball. >> ladies and gentlemen, the president of the united states. ♪ [applause]>> let me begin by just saying, you all dressed up pretty nice. i hope everyone is having a wonderful time.

those of you who are in uniform, you look outstanding. your dates do look better, though. i just want to point this out. i am not going to give a long speech. what i really want to do is come down and express the extraordinary gratitude, not just of me, your commander-in- chief, but more importantly, the thanks of all the american people. i want to start by thanking some of our outstanding leaders who are here. our hosts, our senior enlisted advisors from all five branches of our military. the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff who promised to sing

sometime tonight. so you should hold him to it. the vice chairman, and all of our outstanding members of the joint chiefs. and we are honored to be joined by into extraordinary americans. our windy warriors who inspire us with their incredible strength and resolve. -- wounded warriors who inspire us with their incredible strength and resolve. and the men and women, the backbone of our military. our amazing military families. including the families of the fallen, our gold star families,

we will stand with you always. the members of the legendary tesco dmn -- test dd ehrman -- tuskegee airmen. today we experience the majesty of our democracy. a ritual only possible in a form of government that is of and by and for the people. 18 a possible because there are patriots like each and everyone of you who defend defend our freedom every day. this little party is just another way to say something we can never say enough. thank you. thank you for volunteering.

thank you for stepping up. thank you for keeping us strong. thank you for always making us proud. i have no greater honor than being your commander-in-chief. it is because of you that with honors, we were able to end the war in iraq. because of you we deliver justice to osama bin laden. because of you that it is even possible to give afghans a chance to determine their own destiny. we are going forward. we will keep our military as the defining fighting force that the world has ever known. tonight, we are also joined by some of our service members in afghanistan. they cannot see us, but we can

see them on this monitor. who we got there? general, are you there? >> sir, good evening mr. president. congratulations on your inauguration. commanding general, third infantry division. we are honored to join you this evening. i am joined tonight by some fantastic airmen serving here. >> congratulations mr. president. orlando jackson, lake charles, louisiana. i just wanted to congratulate you on a job well done. >> mr. president, sergeant robert, superintendent, air support operations squadron.

from detroit, michigan. go tigers. >> good evening mr. president. i am sergeant david wood out of monument, colorado. third infantry division. thank you very much for having us here at your party, congratulations. >> good evening, mr. president area did i and the operation superintended 28 07 expeditionary air support operations squadron, in the world's greatest air force. have a blessed evening. >> mr. president, we are honored to be able to join you tonight. we have one more thing for all of you there. >> listen, to all of you who are there, we know it is tough being away from your families. we know the incredible sacrifice and challenges that

you meet every single day. i can tell you that you have got a roomful of patriots here. i've got to admit, they are a little space -- spiffied up right now. their heart and soul, their sense of duty, as at one with every single one of the folks who are it with you right now. i want you to know that when i was standing on the steps of the capitol today, looking out over close to one million people, the single biggest cheer that i always get, and today was no different, at my inauguration, was when i spoke about the extraordinary men and women in uniform that serve our freedom and keep our country strong.

[applause] know that every single day we are thinking of you. we will make sure that you have got the equipment, the strategy , the mission that allows you to succeed. and keep our country safe. know that we are going to be looking and thinking about your families every single day. when you get back home, you are going to be greeted by a grateful nation. he will be on our minds tonight and every single night until our mission in afghanistan is completed. could everybody please give our comrades in arms a huge round of applause area did [applause] [applause] and please all give our very

best to your families back home. i know it is just as tough for them to see you in harms way and away from the family. god bless you. god bless the united states of america. thank you. there is one less thing i have to do. i have got a date. [applause] she inspires me every day, she makes me a better man and a better president, the fact that she is so devoted to taking care of our terms and our military families is just one more sign of her extraordinary love and grace and strength -- i

am just lucky to have her. i said today at the lunch over at the congress that some may dispute the quality of our president, but nobody disputes the quality of our first lady. ladies and gentlemen, my better half, and my dad's partner, michelle obama. -- my dance partner, michelle obama. [applause] >> and now please welcome grammy and academy award winner, jennifer hudson. ♪ stay together"]

♪ hi, i am so in love with you whatever you want to do is all right with me ♪ you make me feel so brand new i want to spend my life with you let me say since, since we've

been together loving you forever, it's what i need the one you come running to i'll never be untrue let's, let's stay together ♪ loving you whether whether whether times are good or bad, happy or sad ♪ x joining the first couple, staff sergeant.

or ♪ whether times are good bad, happy or sad why people break up? turn around and make up i just can't see never do that to me would you, baby staying around you is all i need ♪ let's let's stay together loving you whether whether

whether times are good or bad, happy or sad ♪ let's let's stay together loving you whether whether whether times are good or bad, happy or sad good or bad, happy or sad ♪ [applause]

♪ >> president obama's agenda and -- on washington journal.

you can call in with your questions and comments to richard stevenson, chief washington course bonded for the "new york times." is live on c-span every day at 7:00 a.m. eastern. >> several live events to tell you about tomorrow on our companion network, c-span3. president obama, michelle obama, vice president biden his wife jill biden will attend the national prayer service at washington national cathedral. at 1:30 p.m. eastern, the house ways and means committee discusses debt and deficit reduction. the house is expected to vote wednesday on increasing the

nation's current debt limit of nearly $16.5 trillion. >> i think it is all an evolutionary process. you grow into this role. my sense is that you never get comfortable if you are always pushing for change and growth, not just in yourself, but in the issues that you care about. you are never done. there is never a point in time you feel like, there, i am now here and can do this the same way all the time. it is always changing. given the state of the issues of the country. you never know what those will be from one day to the next. you have to be flexible and fluid. and open to you golf. >> the first ladies their private and public lives. c-span is teaming up with the white house a store coal association for the first of its kind.

airing over two seasons. season one begins presidents' day at 9:00 p.m. eastern and pacific, on c-span, c-span radio, and c-span.org. >> thousands of people attended president obama swearing-in today at the capitol. during his second inaugural speech, he calls for a more inclusive america, outlining priorities for his second term. this part of our coverage is 2.5 hours. ♪

>> ladies and gentlemen, the architect of the capitol.

♪

>> a ladies and gentlemen, the joint chiefs of staff. >> the chairman of join

♪

. .

i will speak one minute. it will be a time when your children are trying to explain to their grandchildren that this day actually happened, and that those great-grandchildren don't believe it, we have pictures. [laughter] and these pictures are for you, and we wish you the best as you work for that common good. mr. cortez spoke about in the invocation and as you so eloquently talked about in your description of the american character today. [applause]

>> ok, i would now like to introduce the distinguished majority leader of the house of representatives, eric cantor, to present the inaugural gift. >> good afternoon. on behalf of the joint congressional committee on inaugural ceremonies, it is my honor to present the president and mrs. obama, vice president and dr. biden, with these beautiful crystal vases, of the finest quality crystal. the images of the united states

capitol and the white house are hand cut and etched into the crystal. the crystal basis on which the vases said are inscribed with the name of the recipient and today's date. president and mrs. obama will receive the vase depicting the white house, vice president and dr. biden will receive the vase depicting the capitol. at this time, my wife, diana, and i invite the president and mrs. obama and the vice president and dr. biden to join us in looking at these beautiful vases. [applause] [laughter]

>> ok, i am now pleased to invite my colleague house democratic leader nancy pelosi to the podium to present a mementos you will all receive as you leave the statuary hall. >> thank you very much, mr. chairman schumer, and cochair alexander wonderful inauguration. mr. vice-president, mr. president, first lady, first lady, first lady -- [laughter] dr. biden, all of our distinguished guests.

i will tell you about a gift for you. freedom now stands on the dome of the capitol of the united states. may she stand there forever not only in form, but in spirit. those were the words expressed 150 years ago by the commissioner of public buildings as the statue of freedom was placed atop the capitol during the presidency of president lincoln. that expression of the spirit of freedom is what we want you to take with you today, and it is contained in this portfolio that you will receive from the joint congressional committee on inaugural ceremonies, along with a frame depiction of the capitol as it appeared at the start of the civil war. you heard it well described by chairman schumer in his remarks. today the statue of freedom and the spirit of freedom watches over the capital as another president from illinois has taken the oath of office. despite the challenges at home and abroad, we heard in

president obama's eighth inaugural address a message of hope, a vision of peace, progress, prosperity, and the promise of freedom for all. may god bless you, president obama, vice-president biden, and your families. congratulations, with wishes for much success for you, for that is the success of our nation. may god bless you all, may god bless america. [applause] >> mr. president and dr. biden and your whole wonderful families, i rise now to toast the vice president of the united

states and my former colleague and my friend, joe biden. mr. vice president, you have been an extraordinary leader of this nation and a true partner to our president these passed for years. you play many roles -- advisor, advocate, implementer, persuader, strategist, and most important of all, friend. we are confident that is unique partnership between you and our great president will grow stronger and more productive over the next four years. mr. vice president, on the surface, we don't share a common ancestry, but on a deeper level, we do share a common story. an american story, of achieving our dreams thanks to the sacrifice of our immigrant forebears. as you embark on your well- deserved second term, in the spirit of those seeking before us and all americans, we offer

our support and warmest wishes, and we say to you, l'chaim, salud, and cheers to our great vice president. >> mr. president, and all those in and assembled, i always enjoyed this lunch more than anything we did in the capitol, for the 36 years i served and the senate i had a great honor

of being included in this lunch for former presidents and vice presidents. it really is the place where we get together in a way unlike any other time when we gather. it is always a new beginning every time we are in this room, and there is a sense of possibilities an opportunity and a sense that sometimes is leading but that maybe we can really begin to work together. chuck, we may come from different ancestors, but is all our colleagues know over the years, we are cut from the same cloth, that we share that same common absolute conviction that was expressed by harry truman when he said, "america was not built on fear. america was built on courage come on imagination, and an unbeatable determination to did

the job at hand at." that is what you have done throughout your career, and that is what everyone in this room has done. at the end of the day, it is absolute confidence, absolute confidence. there is not a thing, a single thing, this country cannot do. i spent too much time with all of you not to know that you feel with every fiber of your being that there is nothing, nothing, this country is incapable of. i must say, the president kids me occasionally did i know harry reid always calls me a senate man. i am proud to have been a senate man. i am proud to be president of the senate but that is only exceeded by the pride in being vice president of the united states with barack obama as president. [applause] one of the great privileges of

my life. if the president will forgive me, as we were walking out, and as he said, savoring the moment, looking out on the crowd and all the americans assembled, it surprised me even, i turned to him and said, "thank you. thanks for the chance. thanks for the chance to continue to serve." folks, i raise my glass to a man who never, never, never operates out of fear, only operates out of confidence, and i?m toasting you, chuck. [laughter] a guy i plan on working with it. you cannot get rid of me, man. remember, i'm still part of the senate. god bless you, chuck. you have done a great job, and

lamar, you have as well. good to see you, pal. >> the best parts of these events are unscripted. i would now like to introduce our senate majority leader, my good friend and foxhole buddy, harry reid, to offer the official toast to the president. [applause] >> americans today are wishing the president got speed for the next four years. people all over the world are looking at us and our exemplary democracy and wishing the president the best in the years to come.

i have had the good fortune in the last many years to work on a very close personal basis with president obama. i have watched him -- the most difficult challenges that a person could face. i've watched him do this with brilliance, with patience, with courage, wisdom, and kindness, from which i have learned a great deal. so, mr. president, i toast and pray for you, your wonderful family, and our great country. four more years, barack obama.

>> michelle and the speaker of the house came to a meeting of the minds that i may be delaying the proceedings to much. and so i'm just going to be extraordinarily brief and say thank you. to my a vice president, who was not only been an extraordinary partner, but an extraordinary friend, and to dr. jill biden, who has partnered with my wife with an extraordinary generosity

on behalf of our men and women in uniform. to the entire cabinet that is here, i am grateful to you. some of you are staying, some of you are leaving, but i know the extraordinary sacrifices that you and my team have made it to advance the progress of this country, and i will always be grateful to you for that. to the speaker of the house and nancy pelosi, to democratic leader harry reid, as well as republican leader mitch mcconnell, all the congressional leaders and all the members of congress who are here, i recognize that democracy is not always easy, and i recognize there are profound differences in this room. but i just want to say thank you for your service and i want to thank your families for their

service, because regardless of our political persuasions and perspectives, i know all of us serve because we believe we can make america for future generations. and i am confident that we can act at this moment in a way that makes a difference for our children and our children's children. i know that former president carter, president clinton, they understand the irony of the presidential office, which is the longer you are there, the more humble you become, and the more mindful you are that it is beyond your power is individually to move this great country. you can only do it because you have extraordinary partners and a spirit of goodwill and, most of all, because of the strength and resilience and fundamental goodness of the american people.

and so i would like to join all of you not only in toasting the extraordinary work that chuck schumer and lamar alexander and others have done to create this special day for us, but i also want to thank each and everyone of you for not only your service in the past, but hopefully your service in the future as well. i would like to offer one last toast, and that is to my extraordinary wife, michelle. there is controversy about the quality of the president. no controversy about the quality of our current first lady. [applause] thank you, everybody. god bless you, and god bless america.

>> ok, now that everyone is standing, you can remain standing, because it is my privilege to introduce his eminence to deliver the benediction. >> thank you for the extraordinary and unique honor bestowed upon me to deliver it the benediction. it is the greatest honor in my life. let us pray, as we prepare to go forth in peace, confident in america's bright future, in the name of the father, the sun, and the holy spirit. oh god of all, we give thanks to you and praise you on this day, as did our first president on

the day of his inauguration, for we, too, resolve once more to the benign parent of the human race in humble supplication, in the words of president washington. we bless and praise your holy name, and ask blessing upon these united states of america, our president, barack obama, and vice president joseph biden, as they and commence the second term of their sacred responsibilities in the highest office of our country. bless, preserve, and keep them and their families safe and healthy. together with who serve our nation, especially in the congress, judiciary, and armed forces, here and everywhere who defend our pursuits of life, liberty, and happiness.

heavenly father, may we ever abide in this land of opportunity and freedom in perfect tranquility, faithful to our foundations and ever building a more prosperous, just, equitable, and a decent society for all of our citizens. and may we always share our faith and hope for the future with the whole world with your divine and gracious love. amen. >> amen.

>> thank you, archbishop. thank you. >> great to see you. ok, please be seated for a moment. my pleasure, archbishop. thank you. well, i think everyone will agree that this has been a wonderful inaugural ceremony, a delicious lunch, but it is now time to head to our next happy stop, presidential parade. [laughter] like many of you, i marched in hundreds, but as we optimistically stepped into the next page of american history, under the leadership of president obama, i have a feeling this one is going to be

something truly special. so thank you for being here, god bless you all, god bless america. [applause] >> thank you. [captioning performed by national captioning institute] [captions copyright national cable satellite corp. 2012]

x percent obama and mrs. obama returned to the inaugural parade. -- president obama and his is obama returned to the inaugural parade.

>> the first day of the

president's second term continues into the evening with the commander-in-chief ball. >> ladies and gentlemen, the president of the united states. >> you all dressed up pretty nice. i hope everybody is having a wonderful time. those of you who are in unit one, you look outstanding. your dates look better.

i will not give a long speech. what i really want to do is come down and express the extraordinary latitude -- gratitude as your commander in chief for the faith of the american people. i want to thank our outstanding leaders. our hosts, senior enlisted advisors from all five branches of our military. the chairman of the joint chief of staff, who promised to sing sometime tonight. you should hold them to it. the vice chairman and all of our outstanding members of the

joint chiefs. our secretary of veterans affairs and the amount -- vietnam veterans. we are honored to be joined by our wounded warriors, who inspire us with their strength and resolve. our enlisted men and women and officers. our amazing military families. including the families of the following -- our gold star families, we will stand with you always. the members of the legendary tuskegee airmen.

and the recipients of our nation's highest military decoration, the medal of honor. we are honored by your presence. today, we experienced the majesty of our democracy. a ritual only possible in a form of government that is of and by and for the people. a date made possible because there are patriots like each and every one of you who our freedom every single day. this little party is just another way to say something we can never say enough, thank you. thank you for volunteering. thank you for stuff enough. thank you for keeping a strong. thank you for always making us proud.

i have no greater honor than being your commander in chief. it is because of you that with honor we were able to end the war in iraq. that we delivered justice to osama bin laden. because of you that it is possible to give afghans a chance to determine their own destinies. we are going forward. we will keep our military the finest fighting force that the world has ever known. tonight, we are also joined by some of our servicemembers in afghanistan. they cannot see us, but we can see them on this monitor. who do we have there,? are you there? >> good evening, mr. president.

congratulations. we are honored to join you there this evening. i am joined tonight by some fantastic airmen and officers and soldiers serving here in condor harbor -- serving here. >> i want to congratulate you on a job well done. >> mr. president, i want to say, go tigers. >> good evening, david would, monument, colorado, dirt

infantry division -- third infantry division. congratulations. >> good evening, mr. president. the world greatest air force. congratulations on tonight. have a lovely evening. >> mr. president, we are honored to be able to join you tonight. >> it is tough the away from your families. we know the incredible sacrifices and challenges that you meet every day. you have got a room full of patriots here.

although i have to admit they are a little spiffy up, their heart and soul, dedication, sense of duty is at one with every single one over there. when i was standing on the steps of the capitol today, the single biggest chair that i always get was when i spoke about the extraordinary men and women in uniform that preserve our freedom and keep our country strong. to know that every single day we are thinking of you, we will

make sure you have the equipment, strategy, the mission that allows you to succeed and keep our country safe. we are going to be looking after and thinking about your family every single day. when you get home, you will be treated by a grateful nation. you will be on our minds tonight and every single night until our mission in afghanistan is completed. can everybody please give our comrades in arms a huge round of applause? please, all of you, give our very best to your families back home. i know it is just as tough if not tougher for them to see you in harms way and away from the

family. god bless you. god bless the united states of america. thank you. there is one last thing i got to do. i've got a date with me here. she inspires me every day. she makes me a better man and a better president. the fact that she is so devoted to taking care of our troops and our military families is one more sign of her extraordinary love and grace and strength. i am lucky to have her. some may does it -- some may

dispute the quality of our president. no one disputes the quality of our first lady. my better half and my dance partner, michelle obama. >> ways welcome grammy and academy award -- and now, please welcome grammy and academy award winner, jennifer hudson. ♪

? let's stay together ? let's stay together

>> it is an evolutionary process. you grow into this role. you never get, double if you are always pushing for change and growth not just in yourself but in the issues you care about. you are never done. there is never a point where you feel there.

i can't do this the same way all of time. it is always changing. you never know with those issues will be. from one day to the next. you have to be flexible and fluid and open to evolve. >> the first ladies, their private and public lives, c- span teaming up with the white house historical association. airing over those co-seasons. season one begins presidents' day at 9:00 on c-span, he spent radio, and c-span.org. >> several live events to tell you about today. president obama, first lady michelle obama, vice president obama -- biden and his wife will attend a national prayer service at 9:45 a.m.

house place and means committee examines the history of the debt limit and how past congresses and presidents have dealt with it and whether the constitution provides options to the executive branch when the debt limit is reached. the house is expected to vote on wednesday. we will focus on president obama's agenda including foreign and a mastic issues and his relationship with congress. you can call into richard stevenson, the chief washington correspondent to "the new york times" and susan for riccio -- ferrechio. " five every journal

day at seven: 00 a.m. eastern. president obama called for a more inclusive america, outlining priorities for his second term. this part of our coverage is a little more than one hour. ♪ >> senate majority leader harry reid and house democratic your nancy pelosi.

♪

♪ >> ladies and gentlemen, the president of the united states, barack h. obama. dustin sergeant in arms, the

house sergeant in arms, and chairman of another world -- inaugural activities. john boehner. senate majority leader harry reid. house majority leader eric cantor. house democratic leader nancy pelosi.

♪

>> please be seated. >> the chairman of joint committee, the honorable charles e. schumer. >> members of congress, all who are present and to all who are

watching. welcome to this celebration of our great democracy. this is the 57th inauguration of an american president. no matter how many times to witness this event it is the trusting of power from we the people to our chosen leader never fails to make one's heart beat faster as it will today with the inauguration of president barack obama. we would not be here today if it were not for those who stand guard around the world. to those in our armed forces we offer our infinite thanks for your bravery.

your honor. your sacrifice. this democracy of ours was forged by intellect and argument, by activism and blood. from john adams to martin luther king by a stubborn adherence to the notion that we are all created equal and that we deserve nothing less than a great republic were the of our consent. the theme of this inaugural is "the face of america's future." this is an event from our past.

i speak of the improbable completion of the capitol dome and capping it with a statue of freedom that occurred 150 years ago in 1863. when abraham lincoln took office, it was i have built eyesore. commissioner wisdom is that it should be left unfinished until the war ended. to president lincoln the half finished dome symbolize they have divided notion. lincoln said it people see the capital going on it is a sign we intend the union shall go on. despite the conflict which engulfed the nation, surrounded the city, and the dome continue to rise. on december 2, the statue of freedom was placed atop the dome

where she still stands today. it was a former slave who helped cast the statute. our present times are not as 1863. in 2013, far too many doubted the future of the nation and our ability to attack our own half finished domes. times are so complex. differences in the country and the world are so deep. we will never overcome them. thoughts like these produce anxiety, fear, and despair. we do well to remember that americans have always been and still are a practical, optimistic, problem solving people. no matter how steep the climb, how difficult the problems, how

have finished the tasks, america always rises to the location. america prevails. america prospers. and those who bet against this country have inevitably been on the wrong side of history. it is a good moment to gaze upward and behold the statue of freedom at the top of the capitol dome. it is a good moment to gain strength and courage and humility from those who were determined to complete the half finished dome. it is a good moment to rejoice at this 57 inaugural ceremony. it is the perfect moment to renew our collective face in the future of america. thank you.

god bless the united states. i would like to introduce myrlie evers-williams. she was extended the promise of a nation's founding principles. she will lead the nation in the invocation. [applause] >> america,>> we are here on this day january the 21st 2013. this day january the 21st 2013. the inauguration of our